Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor has revealed that President John Dramani Mahama is poised to swiftly endorse the contentious Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill once it is passed by Parliament. In an interview with Accra-based Joy FM, Dafeamekpor emphasised that the President harbours no reservations about the legislation and is prepared to give it immediate approval upon completion of the parliamentary process.
“The one who must sign has said, ‘My pen is ready, the ink is dripping. If you bring it today, I’ll sign it the next minute,’” Dafeamekpor remarked, highlighting what he described as Mahama’s firm commitment. The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill—widely regarded as one of the most divisive legislative proposals in recent years—aims to regulate issues surrounding sexual orientation, gender identity, family values, and advocacy activities linked to LGBTQ+ rights in Ghana.
Backers of the bill, including several religious bodies, traditional authorities and conservative civil society groups, argue that it is necessary to safeguard Ghana’s cultural norms, moral values and the traditional family structure. They maintain that the legislation reflects the beliefs of the majority of Ghanaians.
However, the proposed law has drawn strong opposition from human rights organisations, legal scholars and sections of the international community, who warn that some of its provisions could violate constitutional protections and Ghana’s obligations under international human rights treaties.
Opponents argue that the bill threatens to criminalise people on the basis of identity while curbing freedoms of expression, association, and advocacy. Nevertheless, Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor maintained that the ruling caucus in Parliament is resolute in advancing the legislation, stressing that lawmakers are acting in line with prevailing public sentiment. “We want to reassure the nation, along with faith-based institutions and religious bodies, that this bill will be passed just as it was a year ago. Even before we commence that process, the President stands ready to sign,” he affirmed
Source: Winifred Lartey
